the words of one seized by the power of a great affection.

catholics

i read an interesting report today in the New York Times. it discussed the research that sociologists have conducted on religion and the relationship it has with peoples self control. the research showed that those who have religion involved in their lives practice better self control with things such as alcohol. they wear their seat belt more often than those who do not practice religion. i found this report to be rather interesting. i try and steer clear of religion for its stereotype it delivers. the concept is often times misused and therefore not handled properly. i believe that the proper perspective of religion is understanding that religion is created by man. Christ did not ordain catholics, baptists, Lutherans, or Episcopalians. he came to demonstrate a new way of living life. selflessly. i wonder if the report might have actually encountered a few who actually practiced a healthy relationship with Christ. see too many times the church has allowed themselves to be identifies by their type of religion. not the status of their relationship. think about it. what is better? claiming an idea that says it knows how to serve God or claiming to know God for yourself? unfortunately the latter of the two is often times neglected. i guess this article just got me wondering if we as a body of believers are letting the world see our religion or our relationship. its an interesting dynamic of the christian faith… actually walking with Christ and not the title of your religion. i meet more baptist and fewer christians every time i attend church. do not get me wrong. there are many strong believers who do not identify themselves with a religious title but there are also those who would let you know they are a baptists and thats all that matters. i pray that my generation will not be so limited in our thinking. i pray that we as a church will begin to rediscover the beauty of a relationship and begin demonstrating this dynamic to the lost world around us. this way they stop identifying our lives as influenced by religion and start seeing it as being transformed by the Savior.